Client Advocate II – Human Trafficking Initiatives

TITLE: Client Advocate II – Human Trafficking Initiatives  

On-Site, In Person Direct Services, and Remote Phone Services
Bilingual Required
Full Time Hours : Monday – Friday 8:00a – 5:00p

Base Pay Rate: $18.00

+ $1.00 Bilingual Incentive with Certification

 Client Advocate II will report to Camarillo Office, Family Justice Center, and Human Trafficking Shelter location depending on business need.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Human Trafficking Prevention & Intervention department (HTPI) helps prevent, educate, and address human trafficking of individuals by providing a continuum of supportive services with access to emergency and long-term shelter. This position is part of the Human Trafficking Survivor Services/Lighthouse Team and reports to the Human Trafficking Survivor Services Program Manager. The Lighthouse project aims to provide services to adult foreign nationals who have experienced labor trafficking living within California’s central coast. The Client Advocate II is responsible for providing trauma informed, advocacy, case management and supportive services in the community-based program through a broad array of holistic, culturally, and linguistically responsive support services including crisis intervention and field response to survivors, at-risk individuals, and agencies either in person or through answering 24-hour Crisis Hotlines during assigned shifts. The HTPI Client Advocate II serve as a Human Trafficking Caseworker pursuant to Evidence Code 1038.2, as well as a domestic violence counselor as stated in California Evidence Code 1037.1.

GENERAL DUTIES:

1. Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate mobile and field-based advocacy, case management, housing navigation, and outreach to victims, survivors, and at-risk populations of both sex and labor trafficking.
2. Responds to victims, survivors, service providers, and community members through the 24/7 crisis hotline. Assesses the needs of victims, provide crisis counseling, information, safety planning, and appropriate referrals.
3. Provide support to Program Managers, Team Lead, and On-Call Responders for in-person emergency response to victims, when requested by law enforcement, medical providers, and task force operations.
4. Conduct screenings, assessments and triage needs for victims, survivors, and at risk-populations of human trafficking. Provide resources and linkage for identified needs such as mental health, medical, housing services and other supportive services.
5. Conduct outreach to identify, build, and strengthen relationships with community partners and housing providers including landlords and property management partners.
6. Develop engaging methods of service delivery for clients, while understanding the sensitivity and trauma informed approach necessary in serving people who have experienced or are at-risk of human trafficking.
7. Use effective communication skills such as active and reflective listening to engage and build rapport with clients. Utilize appropriate interventions, including motivational interviewing, to increase positive outcomes.
8. Provide court support and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking while remaining informed of new and changing legislation impacting survivors of human trafficking.
9. Coordinate and assist clients in completing and filing applications for Victims of Crime Compensation, Safe at Home applications, court documents as well as explaining the legal and judicial systems and processes, attends court proceedings and appointments as necessary.
10. Comply with all California laws and Community Care Licensing standards and reporting responsibilities as per mandates
11. Maintain updated documentation on facility logs, client records, and agency forms in compliance with agency and licensing standards within the designated agency systems.
12. Develop and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with clients, other partnering agency staff, and ICFS team members.
13. Maintain cultural sensitivity, attunement, and sensitivity when engaging with clients, community partners, and staff.
14. Maintain lines of communication with supervisor and other program staff following each shift or for assistance when troubleshooting.
15. Adhere to agency procedures, state and federal laws regarding mandated reporting and confidentiality.
16. Support a positive working environment and work successfully as a member of a team.
17. Participate in scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and in-service trainings as required.
18. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in victimology, psychology, sociology, criminal justice or related field, or equivalent work/volunteer/lived experience with crisis intervention, outreach, advocacy or case management. Bilingual fluency is required; English/Spanish or English/Mandarin written and oral communication skills. Bilingual testing will be provided by Language Testing International and is required within the first 30 days of employment with scoring and certification at an Advanced level or above. Ability to handle emergency/crisis situations, as well as possess strong skills in decision making, case management, conflict resolution, leadership and excellent time management skills. Must be able to prioritize tasks, organize thoughts and communicate well both verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Requires flexibility with schedule as crisis situations may necessitate staff to respond outside of normal schedule. Must be sensitive and competent to serve clients from diverse cultures. Must have completed or be available to complete the required 60-hour human trafficking and domestic violence trainings within 3 months of hire.

Must maintain the confidentiality of the shelter locations as well as information pertaining to clients receiving services. Requires ability to collaborate with agency staff and community partners while demonstrating exemplary customer service. Must be computer literate with Microsoft Office and the internet. Valid First Aid and CPR certification or willingness/ability to be certified. Successful background and criminal clearance required and maintained, including but not limited to California Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Child Abuse Index and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Proof of a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance (listed as covered), pass and maintain driving approval as required by our insurer.